Abel's Rest

 

A cry rings out- the first sound of death-

The echoe of a dying breath

still resounds-This dying groan

in the ear of a brother Wandering alone

 

His altar stones now cover a grave

Placed there to keep the scavengers away

But they'll not cover a mother's tears Or a Father's pain

For the seed of the first man has fallen to death's reign.

 

Now has a brother perished at his own brother's hand

Sin creeping at the door of a man's heart took full command

Earth shuddered as creation learned to die

Now from the dust hear the blood of Abel cry!

 

A solitary solo voice unlike the angels' strain

Rings out before the throne of God a song no angel could attain

A song of one who'd been redeemed Of one whose faith was blessed

A song no angel ever heard- the song of Abel's rest...

 

Now soon the solo would become

A chorus of earth's fallen ones

They find the brother by which they'll be kept

Just as it was when Abel slept...

 

The uncut altar stone bore the sacrifice

Once for all forever it has paid sin's price

The earth still drinks man's blood- to death we all belong

But those who share Abel's Hope also share his song.

 

From the dust hear the blood of abel cry

Earth shudders as creation has learned so well to die

One day this earth shall be redeemed by one who conquered death

And Abel's song shall be the song on every living breath.

 

A solitary solo voice unlike the angels' strain

Rang out before the throne of God a song no angel could attain

A song of one who'd been redeemed Of one whose faith was blessed

A song no angel ever heard- the song of Abel's rest...

 

January 2,1993

Anthony Foster